The Washington Commanders find themselves in a tough spot as they head into 2026, and the vacancy at defensive coordinator is just the latest symptom of a deeper issue. Despite interviewing some high-profile candidates, the Commanders still haven’t locked down their next defensive play-caller - and that’s raising eyebrows across the league.
Here’s the reality: the timing isn’t helping. With head coaching jobs still open in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Arizona, and Las Vegas, many of the league’s top defensive minds are holding out hope for a bigger opportunity. That leaves teams like Washington, already dealing with a shaky foundation, in a holding pattern.
But let’s not pretend this is just about timing. The Commanders’ defensive roster isn’t exactly a magnet for elite coordinators.
There’s a glaring lack of star power on that side of the ball - not a single Pro Bowl player in sight. That’s a tough sell for any coach looking to make a name or rebuild a reputation.
If you’re looking for a bright spot, edge rusher Dorance Armstrong might be the closest thing to it. He’s been solid throughout his eight-year career, but he’s never made a Pro Bowl, and he’s not exactly a game-wrecker.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner still brings a veteran presence and graded out as the team’s top defender last season with a 79.3 mark from Pro Football Focus. But he’s nearing 36, and you can’t build a future around a player that close to retirement.
Then there’s Trey Amos. The rookie corner had flashes, but a 55.8 PFF grade tells the real story - he’s still a work in progress.
And beyond those three? It’s slim pickings.
So, when you ask why Washington hasn’t filled the defensive coordinator job yet, the answer isn’t just about the market. It’s about the product.
This is arguably the least attractive DC job in the NFL right now. And yet, Dan Quinn has managed to get guys like Brian Flores and Jonathan Gannon in for interviews - that alone is a small win.
Still, whoever takes the job will need more than a clipboard and a whistle. They’ll need talent.
That’s where the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming draft becomes so critical. Washington has to hit on this one, and there’s no room for error.
Mel Kiper Jr. has them taking Rueben Bain Jr. out of Miami - a disruptive edge rusher who piled up 9.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2025, including a standout performance in the national title game. Bain brings a blend of power, speed, and bend that could give the Commanders a versatile weapon up front. And given how often the defense gave up chunk plays last year - 6.0 yards per snap, tied for third-worst in the league - Bain could be the first step in plugging the leaks.
If Bain’s off the board, Washington could pivot to Texas Tech’s David Bailey or Auburn’s Keldric Faulk - both capable edge rushers, though perhaps not quite as explosive. One player won’t fix everything, but a high-upside rookie gives the next defensive coordinator something to build around.
Of course, the bigger picture is the pressure on Dan Quinn. He came in hot, winning 12 games in his first year and leading Washington to the NFC Championship Game.
But that run ended in a blowout loss to the Eagles, and the Commanders never looked the same after that. The 2025 season was a step backward, and now Quinn enters 2026 on a short leash.
Part of the problem? His loyalty to former defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
The defense under Whitt never lived up to expectations, and it was the offense that carried Washington in 2024. Things only got worse last season, and Quinn finally made the move - albeit later than many expected.
That delay could cost him. Any defensive coordinator stepping in now has to know this could be a one-and-done situation. Even if they do a decent job, if the Commanders don’t win, Quinn could be out - and the staff with him.
It’s a similar story on offense. Washington promoted David Blough, a young and relatively unproven coach, to offensive coordinator. Now, they may have to take a similar gamble on defense.
One name in the mix is Bears defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Al Harris. He’s 51 and has ties to Quinn’s Dallas days, which raises some concerns. The Whitt Jr. hire didn’t pan out, and bringing in another Dallas connection might feel like déjà vu.
But Harris does have one thing going for him - results. The Bears forced 33 turnovers this past season, more than Washington managed over the last two years combined.
That’s the kind of production Quinn is desperate to replicate. If there’s one thing he knows, it’s that Washington won’t go anywhere in 2026 if they can’t start flipping the field and creating takeaways.
So, here’s where things stand: The Commanders are trying to sell a tough job to a shrinking pool of candidates. The roster is thin on defensive talent.
The head coach is under pressure. And the draft looms large as a potential turning point.
There’s still time to turn this around. But the margin for error is razor-thin - and the clock is ticking.